Restore employment and health for an Orthodox family living in the Philippines
Summary
Seraphim Fimmel is an Orthodox Christian battling a degenerative lung disease (Advanced COPD) that is shortening his life and is increasingly taking away his ability to work. As a result, he and his wife Genevieve are facing a daily struggle to acquire essential healthcare, food, and utilities.
Clergy Verification
We have personally verified Seraphim’s needs by contacting local clergy who have vouched for Seraphim and support this effort.
- Hieromonk Korniliy (Molev) – Secretary of the Philippine -Vietnamese Diocese (Moscow Patriarchate)
- Rt. Rev. Abbot Theodore (Phillips) – The Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence (Cañon City, CO)
A Sustainable Solution
It is difficult to imagine a way forward for Seraphim and his family without reestablishing reliable source of income.
We aim to help Seraphim purchase a minivan to restart his taxi business which would provide long-term stability.
Funding Breakdown
Minivan Purchase – $14,500
Vehicle Registration – $1,500
Living Expenses – $1000
Restore Electricity – $500
Portable Oxygen Concentrator – $150
Misc. Medical Supplies – $100
Total – $17,750
Seraphim's Story
Thank You for Helping Genevieve and Seraphim Through This Difficult Season
Seraphim and Genevieve are deeply grateful for the kindness, support, and prayers they’ve received during this incredibly difficult time. Every message, prayer, and act of generosity has brought real comfort. They continue to pray that God blesses each person who has held them in prayer or extended a helping hand.
Living with Advanced COPD
Seraphim has lived with chronic asthma since childhood. In recent months, however, his condition has worsened dramatically. He has now been diagnosed with Stage 3 COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a progressive lung disease that causes extreme fatigue, increasing difficulty breathing, and requires supplemental oxygen to keep his oxygen levels stable.
With the help of a skilled and compassionate pulmonary specialist, they are doing everything possible to manage the illness. But there is no cure — only long-term treatment, careful monitoring, and ongoing care.
At one point, Seraphim and Genevieve considered returning to Australia for more advanced treatment. Unfortunately, the cost of immigration and the risk of long-distance travel with his condition made that path impossible.
Treatment Limitations
They’ve decided to remain in the Philippines, where they are close to family and Seraphim’s doctor, who continues to work with them despite their limited financial resources. While the healthcare system there has constraints, being surrounded by loved ones offers the emotional support they need to endure this season.
Current Priorities
Right now, Seraphim and Genevieve’s top priority is to purchase a modest, used van. With it, they can restart a small taxi business that once provided reliable income. This step would allow them to meet their most basic needs, including:
- Medication and medical appointments
- Daily food
- Utilities such as water and electricity
- Transportation for doctor visits and errands
- An oxygen concentrator to help Seraphim manage his breathing safely at home
Every bit of support moves them closer to regaining their independence, stability, and dignity.
Your Support Can Make a Lasting Difference
Sharing this situation publicly has not been easy for Seraphim and Genevieve. But they are simply asking for help to meet essential needs and restore the ability to stand on their own.
With enough support, they can cover critical living and medical expenses — and, more importantly, build a sustainable future through work. Helping them purchase a van doesn’t just restore transportation — it offers them the ability to generate consistent income, maintain their healthcare, and reestablish a sense of normalcy and purpose.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact on their daily life and future.